Veteran judge: Cheryl first joined the judging panel in 2008 and left two seasons later during an unsuccessful bid to join the US version. She returned to the show for its eleventh season in 2014

Meanwhile, veteran judge Louis Walsh is also being considered for a comeback after he was fired from the show last year.

The source continued: '[Simon] wants his friend back by his side like the good old days, but he’s coming up against resistance from producers.'

The star who has polarised viewers, could also convince Sharon Osbourne to return following her stint on the judging panel from the creation to season four.

Perfect pair: Veteran judge Louis Walsh is also being considered for a comeback after he was fired from the show last year, whilst Sharon Osbourne has also been looked at for a possible return

In or out? Cheryl's days could be numbered even if she does decide to stay on, as Sharon's return would put both the Fight For This Love singer and Rita Ora at risk of losing their judges seat

However Cheryl's days could be numbered even if she does decide to stay on, as Sharon's return would put both the Fight For This Love singer and Rita Ora at risk.

Speaking to The Sun's Dan Wooton, a show inside explained Simon Cowell's dilemma, saying 'Cheryl and Rita are both in the frame' for the axe if Ozzy Osbourne's wife returns to the panel, as she would replace one of them.

'She's had talks about the going back now that Louis is likely to be back,' the sourced revealed. 'The sticking point for her is her American chat show The Talk, which she is committed to.'

Sharon - who also returned to the show briefly for season 10 - is believed to be keen to work alongside the Irish music manager once more.

The squad: The X Factor line-up is virtually unrecognisable from the 2014 panel, with (L-R) Xtra Factor host Sarah-Jane Crawford quitting and Louis fired, but Dermot O'Leary has planned a comeback

Louis has previously admitted his willingness to return to the show, and claimed the ultimate line-up would also include Sharon, but made no mention of Cheryl.

'If Simon asked me back, and I thought it would be fun, then absolutely I would,' he said.

He continued: 'If he wants the dream team then he gets me, him, Sharon Osbourne and either Mel B or Nicole Scherzinger.'

The latest news comes after Dermot O'Leary confirmed his return to the show after leaving last year.

His comeback came as presenter Olly Murs resigned from the much-maligned programme, following the unexpected departure of his co-host, Caroline Flack.

The EX factor: The judging panel has been swapped and changed constantly since its creation